Brian Kemp Extends Gas Tax Suspension Past Primary for

Governor Brian Kemp signed an executive order on May 15 extending Georgia's gas tax suspension for two additional weeks. The move keeps the 33.3-cent-per-gallon excise tax off the books from May 20 through June 2 or June 3, saving drivers roughly 33 cents per gallon during the busy Memorial Day travel period. The extension follows the original 60-day suspension that lawmakers approved in March and that was set to end on primary election day.

Original Suspension Delivered Targeted Relief

On March 20, Governor Brian Kemp signed House Bill 1199 into law, suspending the motor fuel excise tax for 60 days through 11:59 p.m. on May 19. The bill responded to rising fuel prices tied to the war in Iran and gave Georgia drivers immediate savings at the pump. Lawmakers designed the measure as a short-term buffer rather than a permanent change to the state's tax structure.

The suspension applied uniformly across gasoline purchases and coincided exactly with the May 19 primary date. Voters filled up tanks on election day without paying the full excise tax, a detail that aligned the policy directly with the voting calendar. No other major tax changes accompanied the fuel relief in the same legislation.

Extension Covers Holiday Travel Window

The May 15 executive order declared a state of emergency and pushed the suspension forward from May 20. Drivers now avoid the tax through the first week of June, covering the peak Memorial Day weekend when many Georgians travel. The two-week addition keeps Georgia among only two states still maintaining such a suspension amid ongoing global oil market disruptions.

State officials tied the extension to expected price spikes during the holiday period. The order took effect at 12:01 a.m. on May 20 and runs through 11:59 p.m. on June 2 or June 3 depending on the final calendar adjustment. This timing ensures the relief remains in place until after most holiday travel concludes.

Policy Remains Limited Compared to National Picture

Georgia's action stands out because most states have already ended similar temporary suspensions. The extension adds roughly two weeks of savings without altering the underlying 33.3-cent excise tax rate that resumes afterward. Drivers will see the full tax return to receipts starting in early June unless further action occurs.

The decision builds on the March legislation without requiring new votes in the General Assembly. Kemp's office framed the move as continued support for households facing higher energy costs linked to international events. No additional funding or new programs were attached to the executive order.

The suspension ends after Memorial Day weekend with no further extensions announced. Lawmakers return to session later in the year and could revisit fuel tax policy if prices remain elevated.